National Forest lands surrounding Torreon, New Mexico offer several primitive tent camping options for those seeking solitude in the high desert landscape. Resumidero Camping Area provides walk-in tent sites with vault toilets and established fire rings, while Forest Service Road Large Camp offers spacious tent-only sites adjacent to the Continental Divide Trail. Cuba Highway Pulloff on Forest Road 88 provides more basic dispersed camping for tent campers seeking minimal infrastructure. Cibola National Forest's Lobo Canyon Campground, approximately 50 miles southwest of Torreon, offers seasonal tent camping from May through September.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require visitors to bring their own water and supplies. Sites typically feature natural dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal improvements beyond occasional fire rings. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the dispersed camping areas, particularly American Springs where rocky roads and washouts can challenge standard passenger vehicles. Vault toilets are available at Resumidero Camping Area and some established campgrounds, but most primitive tent sites lack facilities entirely. The 8,000-foot elevation at locations like Road 378 near Fenton Lake means temperatures drop significantly at night, even during summer months, requiring proper cold-weather gear for tent campers.
Tent-only camping experiences vary widely across the region's public lands. At Resumidero Camping Area, campers noted that "sites were far apart and you could choose between open meadows or in the trees," with hiking trails accessible directly from the campground. According to reviews, even during holiday weekends, many dispersed tent sites remain uncrowded. One visitor to Fenton Lake reported that "even on July 4th this site wasn't busy," with only one other camper present. Backcountry tent camping opportunities near Forest Service Road Large Camp provide direct access to the Continental Divide Trail for hikers seeking multi-day adventures. Lobo Canyon Campground offers tent campers "plenty of shade for the summer months" with sites "nestled in the trees."
"It’s a bummer people throw so much trash and glass bottles around. Very pretty site otherwise and nice trails to walk. Many cows wandering about in the area."
"This is a good site for me to stop, but the proximity of traffic sounds (I camp in a converted minivan, so I took a spot relatively close to the road) means it’s not a great place for me to linger."
"Nice smooth gravel roads and large drive through campsites in beautiful scenery. Not far from towns but far enough away to feel remote."
"So the road getting here is a bit of a long dirt road, somewhat washboarded by the big trucks that drive along it. The area is big and has a selection of camp sites / flat areas to choose from."
"The road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp."
"This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping. There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups."
"We expected a campground that was spread out, fire rings and vault toilets. It was perfect. The camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees."
"This spot is fairly wide open spacious, right off the Continental Divide Trail, and has two fire rings. You can drive to this location Via forest service road 456 until it turns into FSR 239."
"Just sad to see bullet casings litter ground and these trees that survived the most intense fire in new mexico are being shot up and destroyed. Shame on anyone doing this"
"Any SUV could handle it but being in an extended length van limits where I can go. Very peaceful with a nice view down the canyon. Elk grazing below were the cherry on top."
"The surrounding area is gorgeous! The camp spot is nestled in the trees and has plenty of shade for the summer months. Currently in April the picnic area was closed."
ScoutIt has your standard facilities. Though the dog parks have zero grass in it and the little grass that is at the campground are only for the upgraded sites. For 2 nights it was $240. A KOA would have been much better!! The pictures on their website make it look a lot nicer than it is. It would be worth $45 a night for full hookups. Definitely not what I paid.
GuideLook, this is a perfectly fine trailhead campground. There's nothing wrong with it.
That said, it's a quarter miles walk to the falls, and 3 miles to the warm springs, which are barely tepid. Both trails can and are frequently visited by day hikers, some using the same parking lot shared by the campground. It's not tranquil if the weather is good, as both the warm springs and falls are popular.
The real kicker though is the whole area has much better dispersed camping in all directions. If you have to stay on paved roads, go to this campground: any RV can do it. If your vehicle can handle even gravel Forest Service roads drive elsewhere and save $20 a night: it'll buy a tank of gas if you're camping even for a 3 day weekend, and gas being expensive, eliminating additional fees makes sense for many of us.
I'd head up 376, out of Jemez Springs, where one could spend the savings from camping for free on a genuine hot spring, several available in the small town. Or get a meal and a few drinks at the local bar.
Paying for camping when you don't have to has never made any sense to me, but I'm not rich. Plus the dispersed camping gives you privacy you won't get in an official campground where everyone is packed together like so many sardines in a can.
GuideHave pull thru, 50 amp site, with water and electric. Does have a dump site, on the way out. Great view of Sadia mountain, and saw a few awesome sunrises from our bedroom window
GuideGreat place to stay for a couple of days. Lots of things around and the visit to the ruins was very interesting
ScoutLove the quiet non populated group camping spot
GuideA nice campground next to a creek. Sites are pretty well spaced and cost was $20/night. Although if you are tent camping and you want some privacy, head up FR 70 for free spots. The weekend had a full campground with people driving in circles all day. They quieted down at night but for only a dozen sites they were very active.
Site 2-6 have great access to the creek and a bit more privacy
GuideA very nice area for camping. During the rainy season there might even be some water in the creek. But there is a crowded area when you first turn into the road. There was about 20 RVs there when I drove past. They were shooting guns pretty late into the night. Further up the road the sites thin out. The easy access ones fill up quick. If you have some ground clearance there are a few more options.
TravelerI really enjoyed my weekend here. It is a small campground with only 12 spots. It has only pit toilets and no electric sites. I think the only potable water source was not functioning but other than that it was great. Very clean, recently resurfaced roads and spots, surrounded by tall pines. The nights were dark and quiet with only an occasional generator running but not during quiet hours. I will definitely return.
GuideVisited here in the teardrop. Nice paved campground with good sized sites. Was stage 2 fire restrictions when I visited but campsite had a nice fire ring and lantern hooks with two picnic tables and a charcoal grill. All in good shape. It is loud during the day during busy season but everyone respects quiet hours. The goblin colony is a great little hike and there is a small creek to dip your feet into when it gets hot.
The Cibola and Santa Fe National Forests surrounding Torreon, New Mexico contain numerous dispersed camping areas across rugged high-desert terrain. Most sites sit at elevations between 7,000-8,500 feet, where summer daytime temperatures typically reach the 80s but nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F even in July and August. Roads accessing these primitive camping areas frequently require high-clearance vehicles, with several routes becoming impassable after rainfall.
Explore trails from camp: At Forest Service Road Large Camp, campers have direct access to the Continental Divide Trail for day hiking or backpacking. One visitor noted the area is "right off the Continental Divide Trail, and has two fire rings."
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas near dispersed camping sites provide opportunities for spotting elk and deer, particularly at dawn and dusk. At American Springs, one camper described "Elk grazing below were the cherry on top" of their camping experience.
Stargazing: The remote locations and minimal light pollution make these camping areas ideal for night sky observation. A camper at Cuba Highway Pulloff reported "we had a full moon that night and the area was lit up, bright as a cloudy day!"
Spring fishing: Seasonal creeks and nearby lakes offer fishing opportunities from spring through fall. Fenton Lake sites provide convenient water access, with one camper mentioning, "close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp."
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas near Torreon offer substantial separation between sites. A visitor to Road 378, Fenton Lake mentioned "The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers."
Uncrowded camping: Even during peak periods, these remote camping areas remain relatively quiet. One camper shared that "Very peacefull and great night stars" were highlights of their stay in the region.
Terrain options: Campers can choose between open meadows or forested sites depending on preference. A visitor to Resumidero Camping Area appreciated that "it was perfect. The camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees."
Canyon views: Several camping areas offer scenic vistas across the surrounding landscape. At American Springs, a reviewer mentioned "Very peaceful with a nice view down the canyon" as a highlight of their stay.
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require navigating rough forest roads. One camper at American Springs warned of "a large washout just past the first site" and noted the road is "quite rocky."
Vehicle requirements: High-clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing most camping areas. A visitor at Ojito Wilderness reported they "took a 34 ft 5th wheel in but if you dont feel confident with your ability you may pass" and another camper had to "turn around at mile 3 of 10" due to poor road conditions.
Temperature preparation: Due to high elevation, nights get cold even in summer. A camper at Road 378 noted "It does get cold at night since at approximately 8,000 elevation."
Water sources: No reliable water sources exist at most dispersed sites. All water must be brought in, with no natural springs or filtered water available at any of the primitive camping areas.
Camping with children: Choose established sites with basic amenities for easier family camping. At Cibola National Forest Lobo Canyon Campground, families will find "plenty of spots to choose from" and the campground is "nestled in the trees and has plenty of shade for the summer months."
Site selection for privacy: For families needing more space, look for the larger clearings. One camper at Road 378 described it as having "multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups."
Safety considerations: Many sites lack cell service and are remote from emergency services. At Cuba Highway Pulloff, a camper warned about trash issues, noting "It's a bummer people throw so much trash and glass bottles around," which could pose hazards for children.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about potential wildlife encounters. Several camping areas have reports of cattle, elk, and other animals wandering through camp. One camper mentioned "Many cows wandering about in the area" at their campsite.
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas cannot accommodate large RVs. A visitor to Star Dance noted the challenging terrain but found the destination "beautiful beyond words. It's an enchanting, magical healing place."
Boondocking preparation: No hookups exist at any dispersed sites. One RVer at Cuba Highway Pulloff shared they "decided to boondock here for the night with a generator for AC (traveling with dogs)" because there was "not much in the area available for hook up rv sites."
Access challenges: Many forest roads have steep sections unsuitable for longer rigs. An RVer noted "The road in is steep for long rigs" at Cuba Highway Pulloff, limiting access for larger vehicles.
Leveling issues: Prepare leveling blocks as most sites have uneven natural terrain. The primitive camping areas typically have no site preparation, requiring RVers to find the flattest section of ground available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Torreon, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Torreon, NM is Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88 with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Torreon, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Torreon, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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